Abu Dhabi Buses Get New Safety Warning

Abu Dhabi's school buses and their drivers are once again under scrutiny.

According to The National, providers are being asked to ensure their drivers understand road safety and the rules of the road, while ensuring rigorous vehicle maintenance. “Bus drivers should be well-regulated and ensure that the laws are enforced,” said Dino Kalivas, chairman of driver education and training at the International Road Federation.

The news comes as Abu Dhabi Police warn drivers and road users of the newly strengthened road controls around schools. Brig Hussain Al Harthi, director of Abu Dhabi Police traffic and patrols directorate said.“Traffic safety is not the responsibility of one entity, but is a rather integrated process.”

Glenn Havinoviski, a transport expert in Abu Dhabi said bus drivers should take responsibility for their driving and look for ways to improve their skills. He went on to note that while speeding is sometimes an issue, drivers who stop to 'rest' while activating the stop sign, must be stopped with immediate effect as it desensitises other road users to the bus warning sign.

Mr Kalivas went on to note that tiredness was an ongoing and serious issue in the industry, saying, “On average, 20 per cent of all collisions are attributed to driver fatigue and this is equal to other factors, such as drink driving and speeding,” he said.

In addition, providers must ensure they provide supervisors on every bus for child safety while travelling to and from school. While drivers must ensure kids are not placed ina drop off or pick up situation which means they must cross the road.

The new warning comes after the news last month, that Abu Dhabi police issued a halt on overloading school buses.